The Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia recently lauded the Senators they view responsible for rejecting the pro-life bills that came before the Assembly this session.

Planned Parenthood of Virginia hailed the decision by the House and Senate budget conferees to remove an anti-family planning amendment offered by State Senator Ken Cuccinelli (R-37) to the House Budget bill (HB 30). Senator Cuccinelli�s amendment specifically targeted Planned Parenthood from receiving state funding for prevention health care services including gynecological exams, pap smears, cancer screenings, contraception, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. We are especially grateful to our friends on the Budget Conference Committee who fought hard for women’s health: Senator Edd Houck (D-17), Senator Janet Howell (D-32), Senator Dick Saslaw (D-35) and Delegate Johnny Joannou (D-79).

I’m sure to folks reading this that the Senators mentioned come as no surprise. But Senator Houck did a good job in his reelection campaign last year portraying himself as conservative. Let’s make sure we remember this recognition from Planned Parenthood if he sadly decides to run again in 2011.